Nehemiah 9:18

Authorized King James Version

Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֗ף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֔וּ
Yea when they had made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
לָהֶם֙
H0
#5
עֵ֣גֶל
calf
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
#6
מַסֵּכָ֔ה
them a molten
properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour
#7
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
זֶ֣ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#9
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
This is thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
הֶֽעֶלְךָ֖
that brought thee up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#12
מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם
out of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#13
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֔וּ
Yea when they had made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
נֶֽאָצ֖וֹת
provocations
scorn
#15
גְּדֹלֽוֹת׃
great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection